aaron said:
>   The next time someone asks difficult questions
>   which I don't wish to or can't answer, I'll simply
>   find something which that person has done that
>   I don't agree with, and refuse to talk to them
>   on the basis of moral superiority.

i wasn't claiming any "moral superiority".

i just think that to force the father of e-books
to undergo "moderation" on an e-book listserve
is too galling to let pass by without a reaction...

where was noring back in 1971, when michael
was typing in the declaration of independence?


>   "Most people" being code for Bowerbird?

actually, i don't mind the so-called "flamewars" a bit.
in case you haven't noticed.  in fact, some people have
accused me of being the _cause_ of them, haven't they?

so if you want to continue them, it's quite alright by me.
i buy the fire-retardant foam they use at the airports and
get a cheap rate because i buy it by the tanker-truckload,
so these little dances around the campfire are fun for me.

and aaron, if you really think jon has asked me some
"difficult questions" that "i don't wish to" or even "can't"
answer, you should step right up and ask them again.

because if you ask them to me, i _will_ answer them...

and i assure you i can answer the questions jon asked,
and that they are actually quite simplistic, not difficult,
and furthermore, that i would be positively _delighted_
to talk at great length about z.m.l. here on this listserve.

(but, like i said, i think most people on this listserve
-- and by that, i mean most people on this listserve --
wish these bowerbird/noring threads would go poof.
but again, if you disagree, let me know, and i'll post.)

i don't think it'd match the density of the x.m.l. threads,
because z.m.l. dispenses with unnecessary complexity,
but i could certainly give my best effort.  and i _am_
quite capable of going on and on, all by my lonesome,
as you also must have noticed by now.  so, by all means,
feel free to pull my string and i will post and post and post.

you might also want to know, though, that i will shortly
start to upload demo programs for your amusement
and edification -- it's pudding time, kids! -- so if you
would rather deal in reality (for a change) instead of
all this speculative, high-falutin' vapor-ware noise,
you might want to wait-and-see for a day-or-two...

-bowerbird